The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® are titanium alloy abutments placed onto Straumann dental implants to provide support for customized prosthetic restorations. Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are indicated for screw-retained single tooth or cement-retained single tooth and bridge restorations. All digitally designed copings and/or crowns for use with the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are to be designed using Sirona inLab software (Version 3.65 or higher) or Sirona CEREC Software (Version 4.2 or higher) and manufactured using a Sirona CEREC or inLab MC X or MC XL milling unit.
Device Story
Straumann Variobase for CEREC abutments (Ti-bases) are titanium-aluminum-niobium (TAN) alloy components; interface between Straumann dental implants and customized prosthetic restorations (copings/crowns). Device used in dental clinics; operated by dental professionals. Workflow: clinician uses Sirona CEREC or inLab software (v3.65+/4.2+) to design restorations; Sirona CEREC/inLab MC X or MC XL milling units fabricate copings/crowns from compatible milling blanks; restoration cemented onto Variobase abutment. Interlocking feature on coronal portion augments cemented adhesion. Output: customized dental prosthesis. Benefits: enables chairside or lab-based digital design/fabrication of implant-supported restorations, ensuring dimensional matching and structural integrity.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evidence includes dimensional verification of milled coping fit on abutments, worst-case dynamic fatigue testing demonstrating compliance with minimum fatigue properties, and process validation of the Variobase within the Sirona CEREC InLab workflow. Sterilization validated per ISO 17665-1, ISO/TR 17665-2, and ANSI/AAMI ST79.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Titanium-Aluminum-Niobium (TAN) alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb). Form factor: Stock titanium abutment (Ti-base) with coronal interlocking feature. Connectivity: Compatible with Sirona CEREC/inLab CAD/CAM systems. Sterilization: Validated per ISO 17665-1, ISO/TR 17665-2, and ANSI/AAMI ST79.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring screw-retained single tooth or cement-retained single tooth and bridge restorations supported by Straumann dental implants. Contraindicated in patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to titanium or titanium-aluminum-niobium (TAN) alloy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An endosseous dental implant abutment is a premanufactured prosthetic component directly connected to the endosseous dental implant and is intended for use as an aid in prosthetic rehabilitation.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Root-Form Endosseous Dental Implants and Endosseous Dental Implant Abutments” will serve as the special control. (See § 872.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.)
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized depiction of a human face in profile, composed of three overlapping silhouettes. The silhouettes are arranged in a way that suggests a sense of community and collaboration. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the image.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 11, 2015
Straumann USA LLC c/o Ms. Sheila Hemeon-Heyer Heyer Regulatory Solutions LLC 125 Cherry Lane Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
Re: K151324
Trade/Device Name: Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC®, Abutment Models RN, WN, RC, NC Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.3630 Regulation Name: Endosseous Dental Implant Abutment Regulatory Class: II Product Code: NHA Dated: August 12, 2015 Received: August 13, 2015
Dear Ms. Hemeon-Heyer:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Tina
Kiang -S
for Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K151324
Device Name
Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC®, Abutment Models RN, WN, RC, NC
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® are titanium alloy abutments placed onto Straumann dental implants to provide support for customized prosthetic restorations. Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are indicated for screw-retained single tooth or cement-retained single tooth and bridge restorations.
All digitally designed copings and/or crowns for use with the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are to be designed using Sirona inLab software (Version 3.65 or higher) or Sirona CEREC Software (Version 4.2 or higher) and manufactured using a Sirona CEREC or inLab MC X or MC XL milling unit.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span> |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | □ |
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Section 6: 510(k) Summary
## 510(k) Summary
# K151324
#### Submitter's Contact Information 6.1
| Submitter Name: | Straumann USA, LLC (on behalf of Institut Straumann AG) |
|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 60 Minuteman Road<br>Andover, MA 01810 |
| Phone Number: | 1-978-747-2575 |
| Fax Number: | 1-978-747-0023 |
| Contact Person: | Christopher Klaczyk |
| Date of Summary: | September 10, 2015 |
#### 6.2 Name of the Device
6
| Trade Name: | Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC®, Abutment Models RN, WN,<br>RC, NC |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Dental Implant Abutment |
| Classification Name: | Endosseous Dental Implant Abutment |
| Regulation & Class: | 21 CFR §872.3630, Class II |
| Product Code: | NHA |
#### Predicate Devices 6.3
Primary Predicate:
- . K142890, Straumann® Variobase® Abutments, Models NNC, RN, WN, RC, NC
Reference Predicate(s):
- K100152, Sirona Dental CAD/CAM System (introduction of the Sirona SSO series . Ti-bases compatible with the Straumann Tissue Level implants and introduction of the CEREC MC X and MC XL and inLab MC X and MC XL mills)
- K111421, Sirona Dental CAD/CAM System (introduction of the Sirona SBL series ● Ti-bases compatible with the Straumann Bone Level implants)
#### Device Description 6.4
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments provide the interface for copings or crowns designed and milled using the Sirona CEREC system with four of the Straumann dental implant platforms: RN (Reqular Neck), WN (Wide Neck), RC (Regular CrossFit®), and NC (Narrow CrossFit®). The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are pre-manufactured (stock) abutments, sometimes referred to as "Ti-bases," made from a titanium-aluminum-niobium (TAN) alloy. The coronal portion is designed to interface with the pre-machined mounting hole in the milling blanks compatible with the Sirona
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Section 6: 510(k) Summary
CEREC MC X and MC XL prosthetic milling systems, and the base portion is available in four models to fit the four Straumann® dental implant platforms listed above. The new components introduced in this 510(k) are shown below.
| Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® Abutments | | | |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Image: RN | Image: WN | Image: RC | Image: NC |
| RN | WN | RC | NC |
| Catalog Number | Description |
|----------------|-----------------------------------|
| 022.0019 | RN Variobase® for CEREC® |
| 022.0020 | WN Variobase® for CEREC® |
| 022.0024 | RC Variobase® for CEREC® |
| 022.0025 | NC Variobase® for CEREC® |
| 022.0045 | RN/WN Basal screw for Variobase®* |
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are compatible with the following previously cleared materials:
- . inCoris ZI, L size blank (Sirona inCoris ZI meso zirconium dioxide, ZrO2) cleared to market per K062509 and K123664
- . IPS e.max CAD Abutment Solutions (Ivoclar IPS e.max CAD lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, LS2) cleared to market per K132209
- Telio CAD (Ivoclar Telio CAD polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) cleared to . market per K093708
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are compatible with copings and crowns fabricated using the following previously cleared mills:
- Sirona Dental CAD/CAM System (introduction of the Sirona SSO series Ti-. bases compatible with the Straumann Tissue Level implants and introduction of the CEREC MC X and MC XL and inLab MC X and MC XL mills) cleared to market per K100152
- Sirona Dental CAD/CAM System (introduction of the Sirona SBL series Ti-● bases compatible with the Straumann Bone Level implants) cleared to market per K111421
Straumann has verified that the functionality necessary to design and produce abutments compatible with the Straumann Variobase for CEREC abutments (as well as the Sirona SSO and SBL series Ti-bases) has been present in the Sirona CEREC Software since
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Section 6: 510(k) Summary
version 4.2 (released May 2013) and in the Sirona inLab Software since version 3.65 (released January 2012). Copings and crowns designed using these or more recent versions of the Sirona software, within the design limits as defined within the design software, are compatible with the Straumann Variobase for CEREC abutments.
## 6.5 Indications For Use
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® are titanium alloy abutments placed onto Straumann dental implants to provide support for customized prosthetic restorations. Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are indicated for screw-retained single tooth or cement-retained single tooth and bridge restorations.
All digitally designed copings and/or crowns for use with the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are to be designed using Sirona inLab software (Version 3.65 or higher) or Sirona CEREC Software (Version 4.2 or higher) and manufactured using a Sirona CEREC or inLab MC X or MC XL milling unit.
## 6.6 Substantial Equivalence and Performance Testing
The Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® are made of the same TAN alloy material and the same base design as primary predicate Straumann® Variobase® Abutments previously cleared for the Straumann® implant platforms RN, WN, RC and NC. The only difference is that the coronal portion of these abutments has been designed to interface with the milling blanks used to create copings and crowns with the Sirona CEREC® CAD/CAM system. The new design assures dimensional matching of the CEREC® restorations with the Straumann Variobase for CEREC ®abutments and provides an interlocking feature to augment the cemented adhesion of the restoration onto the abutment.
The subject Straumann Variobase for CEREC abutments are functionally equivalent to the reference predicate Sirona SSO series Ti-base abutments previously cleared to market per K100152 and the reference predicate Sirona SBL series Ti-base abutments previously cleared to market per K111421. The Sirona SSO series Ti-bases have been shown by Sirona to be compatible with Straumann Tissue Level implants and the Sirona SBL series Ti-bases have been shown by Sirona to be compatible with Straumann Bone Level implants. The coronal geometry of the subject devices is equivalent to the coronal geometry of the reference predicates, therefore copings and crowns fabricated using the Sirona software and milling systems will be compatible with the subject devices.
The following performance testing was submitted in this 510(k) to support substantial equivalence:
- Dimensional verification using CEREC® e.max blocks, which confirmed the . appropriate fit of the milled coping on the abutment
- . Worst case dynamic fatigue testing demonstrating compliance with the
- minimum required fatigue properties of the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® .
- abutments with cemented e.max CADCAM coping ●
- Process validation of the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® within the Sirona . CEREC® InLab workflow
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Section 6: 510(k) Summary
- Sterilization validation according to ISO 17665-1, ISO/TR 17665-2 and ● ANSI/AAMI ST79
There have been no changes to the materials, packaging, or recommended sterilization method/parameters for these devices as compared to the primary predicate devices.
{7}------------------------------------------------
# Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® Traditional 510(k)
## Section 6: 510(k) Summary
| FEATURE | SUBJECT DEVICE<br>Straumann Variobase for<br>CEREC Abutments | PRIMARY PREDICATE<br>Straumann Variobase<br>Abutments (K142890) | EQUIVALENCE<br>DISCUSSION |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Intended to be placed into<br>Straumann dental implants to<br>provide support for prosthetic<br>reconstructions such as<br>crowns. | Prosthetic components directly<br>connected to the endosseous<br>dental implant are intended for<br>use as an aid in prosthetic<br>rehabilitations. | Substantially equivalent |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Straumann® Variobase® for<br>CEREC® are titanium alloy<br>abutments placed onto<br>Straumann dental implants to<br>provide support for customized<br>prosthetic restorations.<br>Straumann® Variobase® for<br>CEREC® abutments are<br>indicated for screw-retained<br>single tooth or cement-retained<br>single tooth and bridge<br>restorations.<br>All digitally designed copings<br>and/or crowns for use with the<br>Straumann® Variobase® for<br>CEREC® abutments are to be<br>designed using Sirona inLab<br>software (Version 3.65 or higher)<br>or Sirona CEREC Software<br>(Version 4.2 or higher) and<br>manufactured using a Sirona<br>CEREC or inLab MC X or MC XL<br>milling unit. | The Straumann® Variobase™<br>Abutment is a titanium base<br>placed onto Straumann dental<br>implants to provide support for<br>customized prosthetic<br>restorations. Straumann®<br>Variobase™ Abutments are<br>indicated for screw-retained<br>single tooth or cement- retained<br>single tooth and bridge<br>restorations.<br>All digitally designed copings<br>and/or crowns for use with the<br>Straumann® Variobase™<br>Abutment system are intended to<br>be sent to Straumann for<br>manufacture at a validated<br>milling center. | Different workflows used to<br>design and fabricate the<br>restorations. Coronal aspect of<br>proposed device is designed to<br>interface with copings/crowns<br>fabricated from milling blanks<br>containing pre- machined holes<br>for use with the CEREC<br>CADCAM system. Substantial<br>equivalence based on design<br>validation testing. |
| FEATURE | SUBJECT DEVICE<br>Straumann Variobase for<br>CEREC Abutments | PRIMARY PREDICATE<br>Straumann Variobase<br>Abutments (K142890) | EQUIVALENCE<br>DISCUSSION |
| Contraindications | Patients with known allergies or<br>hypersensitivity to chemical<br>ingredients of the following<br>materials used: titanium (Ti),<br>titanium alloy Ti6Al7Nb<br>(titanium-aluminum-niobium or<br>TAN) | Allergies or hypersensitivity to<br>materials used: Titanium alloy<br>Ti-6Al-7Nb (titanium- aluminum-<br>niobium or TAN). | Same |
| Ti-base<br>Material | Titanium-Aluminum-Niobium<br>alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) | Titanium-Aluminum-Niobium<br>alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) | Same |
| Abutment<br>Diameter (base) | 4.5 mm - 7.0 mm | 3.8 mm - 7.0 mm | Substantially equivalent<br>Proposed device models do<br>not include NNC (3.8 mm dia) |
| Abutment Height | 4.7 mm | 3.5 – 4.5 mm | Substantially equivalent |
| Coping/ Crown<br>Material | Compatible with any milling<br>blanks cleared for use with the<br>CEREC MC X and MC XL<br>milling systems (i.e., containing<br>the pre-machined mounting<br>hole). Currently available:<br>inCoris ZI meso (K123664)<br>Ivoclar IPS e.max CAD<br>(K132209)<br>Ivoclar Telio CAD (K093708) | TraditionalWorkflow:<br>Type 4 Metals (ISO 22674) IPS<br>e.max® Press Ceramic Digital<br>Workflow:<br>polycon® ae (temporary)<br>zerion® (permanent)<br>IPS e.max® CAD Ceramic<br>(permanent)<br>coron® (permanent) | Substantially equivalent<br>All materials to be used for<br>coping/crown have previously<br>been cleared and are not the<br>subject of this<br>510(k). |
| Design Workflow | Per the Sirona CEREC InLab,<br>software version 3.6 or later | Wax-up or Open CAD | Substantially equivalent |
| FEATURE | SUBJECT DEVICE<br>Straumann Variobase for<br>CEREC Abutments | PRIMARY PREDICATE<br>Straumann Variobase<br>Abutments (K142890) | EQUIVALENCE<br>DISCUSSION |
| Manufacturing<br>Workflow | Per the Sirona Cerec MC X<br>and MC XL milling systems | Traditional casting or<br>pressing or Straumann<br>Milling | Substantially equivalent |
| Mode of Attachment | Screw-retained or cement<br>retained | Screw-retained or cement<br>retained | Same |
| Reusable | No | No | Same |
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# Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® Traditional 510(k)
Section 6: 510(k) Summary
{9}------------------------------------------------
# Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® Traditional 510(k)
Section 6: 510(k) Summary
{10}------------------------------------------------
Section 6: 510(k) Summary
### 6.7 Conclusion
The documentation submitted in this premarket notification demonstrates that the Straumann® Variobase® for CEREC® abutments are substantially equivalent to the primary predicate Straumann® Variobase® Abutments and the reference predicate Sirona Ti-base devices previously cleared as being compatible with the implants of the Straumann Dental Implant System.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.